Books on the Way: Bradford

Between 27th and 31st of May (this week) there is a second-hand Christian book sale at Church on the Way in Bradford, organised by Stephen White Books. Such events do little for my pocket and, surprisingly, little for my mind, because I have such a backlog of 'The Unread' that more acquisitions would simply compound existing feelings of inadequacy and guilt. So this post is partly an advert for the event in case better folk wish to go and browse, and partly an opportunity to contemplate the curious pricing policy, which follows:

Tuesday £5 per book

Wednesday £4 per book

Thursday £3 per book

Friday £2 per book

Saturday £1

So one who went on Monday would pay more but get a better choice; he who turns up on Saturday morning may have less from which to choose, but it will cost him less. I think this a rather clever strategy, though I know little about the book market. Sunday is not mentioned; I think this is because they wish to honour the Lord’s Day rather than going down to £0.

There are people on the earth right now whose sins are not yet forgiven, but they shall be prior to their deaths. Consequently, they will be up in heaven, enjoying the fabulous promises of God and beholding the radiant face of Christ. Deathbed conversions are real and possible, but they are a poor, longer term strategy; few of us can accurately predict the moment of our deaths and then it is too late. Furthermore, how must the Great God feel about those who acknowledge the truth of the gospel but refuse to yield to it so they might better enjoy their sinful lifestyles a little longer? Nevertheless, there are Christians who have faithfully served the Lord for years and lived sacrificially for Him but they shall enjoy the same glorious visions as their Jonny-come-lately colleagues. The Lord Jesus actually addresses this point in Matthew 20, in His Parable of the Labourers or Vinedressers, in which all receive equal pay, regardless of the hours they put in:

“So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the labourers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’ And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner,  saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’  But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you.  Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.” (vv8-16, NKJV)

So it is true: salvation, and the heaven to which we shall go, is a gift given freely; none may grumble or object for none have ever earned it. Yet the Christian who has served Jesus Christ for forty years – is this not a pleasure in itself? Is living a godly and righteous life not itself a just reward for the Christ-follower? The deathbed convert may enjoy his heaven, but he looks back upon his selfish life with pity and contempt. As a Christian of long standing, you have had the opportunity to delve into the riches of God’s word, you have witnessed to others of His love and blessed them with your works while growing in faith and holiness. Truly, it is has cost you five pounds, or four pounds, or three, but you have a vast array of mercies and ministries which you may call your own. The £5-per-book man must not begrudge the £1-per-book man, and neither must the latter envy the former's more varied and richer bookshelves.

Those wishing to go to the sale may locate it at Church on the Way, 158 Bradford Road, BD10 8SA, Today: 9.30-3pm, Saturday 10am-8pm.